Generic optical modulator

ABSTRACT

A generic optical modulator includes a first inteferometer receiving a first control signal and a second interferometer receiving a second control signal, and each receive a portion of an incoming light signal. The output of the first interferometer is attached to the output of the second interferometer after that output has passed through a phase shifter. A coupler receives the output of the first interferometer and the second interferometer and generates a modulated signal therefrom.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority fromUnited States Provisional Application Serial No. 60/292,897 filed May23, 2001, currently co-pending, and which is fully incorporated hereinby this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Commercial light modulators, on-off keying, commercial QPSKmodulators (i.e., single function modulators) are currently available.These devices, however, are limited only to a particular type ofmodulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A single device is capable of producing any modulation typedesired on light, including but not limited to, the following listedmodulation types:

[0004] 1. AM-D5B

[0005] 2. FM

[0006] 3. FSK

[0007] 4. M-ary FSK

[0008] 5. Coherent FSK

[0009] 6. MSK and Walsh Modulated MSK (for CDMA)

[0010] 7. Binary PSK and M-ary PSK

[0011] 8. QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation)

[0012] 9. Pure Frequency Shift

[0013] 10. Correct Laser Frequency for all types 1-9; and

[0014] 11. Optical Differentiator.

[0015] The advantages of the present invention include the ability toimplement a multi-function light transmitter, as well as performwavelocking. The device may be implemented in polymers to besignificantly cheaper than existing devices, and much more versatile.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 provides an overview of the present invention, and includesa first inteferometer receiving a first control signal and an output, asecond interferometer receiving a second control signal and an output.The first inteferometer and the second interferometer each receive aportion of an incoming light signal. A phase shifter is attached to theoutput of the second inteferometer and a coupler receiving the output ofsaid first interferometer and said second interferometer and generatinga modulated signal therefrom.

1. A generic optical modulator comprising: a first inteferometerreceiving a first control signal and an output; a second interferometerreceiving a second control signal and an output, wherein said firstinteferometer and said second interferometer each receive a portion ofan incoming light signal; a phase shifter attached to said output ofsaid second inteferometer; and a coupler receiving the output of saidfirst interferometer and said second interferometer and generating amodulated signal therefrom.